All That Glisters by Lindelea
Anonymous · 22 April 2025 · Chapter 53: Comfort and Joy
What do they say about Brandybucks?
Author's reply
Imagine something not fit for refined company or tender ears, involving hobbits and water (specifically rivers or perhaps a particular River), and go from there...
Tari · 25 May 2007 · Chapter 72: Epilogue
Had you not mention this story as a prequil to Just Dessets, I would have missed it and that would have been a real shame. Granted, there were parts that were dark and angsy, but that did not stop me from reading. It is a truly wonderful tale. If there were an icon of someone jumping up and down for joy, I would add it to my review. I'm glad you brought Jack, Wil and Rob back. I so wanted to know what happened to them and hope to read more of them in Just Desserts. Thank you for a wonderful adventure. Tari
Author's reply
LOL, I'm afraid most of my stories are related and strung together like pearls on a necklace. This story leads into Just Desserts, and before All That Glisters there is StarFire. And a host of related stories, among them At the End of His Rope and its sister-story A Healer's Tale (which, happily, introduces Jack to a very young Pippin). I'm afraid that Just Desserts is very angsty and difficult for Jack, Will, and Rob, but everything does come out right in the end, I'm happy to say. I do thank you for the encouraging words. Author Reply: p.s. You're welcome!
Tari · 23 May 2007 · Chapter 56: Considering Choices
I'm glad you included this chapter. I enjoyed it very much. Tari
Author's reply
You're most welcome. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a good word.
Tari · 23 May 2007 · Chapter 54: All the King's Horses
I had to stop reading this delightful tale to ask a question. Does faunt mean infant? Thanks, Tari
Author's reply
A faunt, according to JRRT's letters, was a hobbit up to three years of age. At least, that's what I remember! (It's been a while since I've had time for Tolkien's works. Summer's coming...) Thanks for taking the time to drop a line and a word of encouragement! Author Reply: Correction: a faunt is a hobbit child between the ages of three and five. A hobbit at this developmental stage resembles a Mannish toddler.
Imhiriel · 8 December 2006 · Chapter 57: Thoughtful Conversation
The different conversations in the last few chapters were profoundly moving - sad, and touching, and very thought-provoking. I think they embody well Merry's words to Aragorn in MT, "But it is the way of my people to use light words at such times and say less than they mean. We fear to say too much. It robs us of the right words when a jest is out of place." These conversations show very well what might happen if they do choose to speak of serious matters, and how swift the change between dark and back to light might happen.
Author's reply
Belated thanks for stopping and taking the time to write out your thoughts. It was encouraging to run across this, today.
Endaewen · 15 October 2006 · Chapter 41: Deep in the Heart
He looked forward to steady meals again—steady, not constant! I can't help but laugh at this.
Author's reply
Hah, another of those reviews that I never saw... until today. Must've been when my email was wonky. Or something. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a good word behind!
Endaewen · 15 October 2006 · Chapter 24: When in Rohan...
I have not yet read this story (or some others in your massive collection) before. So far, it's good, and the notes to this one sent me to the Unfinished Tales to double-check things. I can't come to a conclusion either. On the other hand, we're in good company as it appears that CT couldn't either. At least, not according to N33 of the Disaster of the Gladden Fields in the Unfinished Tales.
Nienor Niniel · 15 September 2006 · Chapter 72: Epilogue
I enjoyed this one immensely! There was so much in it: new characters, like Denethor, sub-plots like about Hilly and his wife, evil ruffians... thanks so much for sharing! Nienor
Author's reply
Ah, I didn't realise you'd read this already, but if you are proceeding chronologically, you'd have to have read it before FirstBorn! Thanks for dropping by and leaving a note!
longcleeve · 20 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Diamonds
"‘The gold?’ she said. She was used to bringing a wanderer back to the topic at hand. " loved that line :D
Author's reply
Ah, nice to hear from you! And from your name it appears you're a friend of Diamond's... (or perhaps a relation?) Thanks!
Larner · 25 January 2005 · Chapter 72: Epilogue
An Ent draught, eh? Wouldn't have thought of that! Laughing. And the pardon is a nice one.
Author's reply
Sorry for the belated reply. Was just doing some reading for the sake of continuity and stumbled across your review. Yes, the Ent draught was introduced in "At the End of His Rope" and came back for an encore in "Where the Merlin Cries". A fun thing to imagine! (And inspired by the fact that Pippin and Merry's hurts were healed, more quickly than usual, after drinking from the stream in Fangorn Forest, and the Ent draught they drank gave them a feeling of well-being and growth.) Thanks!
Larner · 23 January 2005 · Chapter 65: Early Morning Cheer
Laughing along with Denny, and wincing, too!
Larner · 23 January 2005 · Chapter 63: Growing Clarity
Excellent justice. And hope Jack gets his due rewards.
Author's reply
Ah, yes, Jack gets his due rewards in the end. Thanks!
Bodkin · 23 January 2005 · Chapter 72: Epilogue
'I know that Pippin and Sam return to the shop with bags of gold, and that Pippin thanks Jack personally (and so does Sam!)' From Jack, Will and Rob's point of view, that scene must be such a huge relief - they've spent the last however many years with their heads ducked down and hiding if ever hobbits come to the city, convinced that they'll be dancing at the end of a rope if ever anyone recognises them. To find out that not only are they forgiven, they are held in tremendous respect by the hobbits - for their kindness in the first place, saving Hilly, Diamond and Farry at the risk of their own lives; inadvertantly saving Ferdi from almost certain death; reuniting Elladan and Elrohir with The Flask; and saving Farry and Pip-lad from the kidnappers - well, they must be so relieved that they feel ill with it. From now on they can hold their heads up among their neighbours - even such upright neighbours as Denny. (I should think Denny'll be impressed, too, when he finds out that it is Jack who rescued the hobbitlings he nearly died to protect.) And they'll be wealthy, too, which is not too bad a thing! And to be in favour with the hobbits, is to be in the favour of the King. Another plus. It could almost make a story of its own!
Author's reply
Did I not answer this? Sorry! It could almost make a story of its own, indeed! Actually, there's an outline of another "Jack" story, set in the Shire during Pippin's early years. Someday, perhaps, it'll get written. I like your summation; it makes me smile to think of their joy after "fleeing where no man pursueth" for ten years or so. Who knows if they might have further adventures. Why, perhaps Rob is one of those who travels with Farry and Ferdi to Gondor... (one day I'll write that story, I hope) Thanks!
Anso the Hobbit · 21 January 2005 · Chapter 99999: Footnotes and Cross-references
You`ve done it again! I don`t know how you come up with all these things to heppen, but it makes for very enjoyable stories. I must say that it`s good the hobbits are close to a House of Healing with all the accidents and ruffians and healing that needs to be done. I`m sorry Pip-lad was so afraid of Strider, and who but Arwen could make him unafraid again? Somewhere, in chapter 65 I believe it is, you send Merry and Estella off to a walk in the gardens and Rose is pregnant again: It seems to me that this is a place as good as any for making new hobbits, lol. Here they are in peace and quiet (at least some of the time) and have a Healer-King close at hand if something happens. It sounds like heaven on earth, lol. I like how Arwen and the guardsmen get along with the hobbits. The guardsmen had to learn it at first, but they do make good friends with the hobbits. And she practically gave Posey her life back. That is no small thing to do, even if Hilly has to go to Gondor when she dies. Poor Diamond and Merry! I was worried for Pip there for a chapter or two, but eventually he came to reason, even if they had to "trial" him first, and a good decision he made. Oh, and I love that Bilbo Gamgee was born on the same date in the same room at Bag End! And the ending was lovely, why Merileth should even be called "Merry" since her husband is "Denny" to the hobbits, lol, as they mingle so nicely together, big and small. Thank you for this great story! I loved it. Now I`m off to start reading the new one you`ve posted.
Author's reply
Who ever said hobbits were dull? (Actually, I think they run and hide in holes in the ground when they hear me coming...) I think the New City an excellent place to visit, nearly so intriguing as the Shire itself! Such lovely comments; they help me to see the story through eyes not my own. Merileth as "Merry", what fun! You're welcome, of course, and thank you for taking the time to share all these lovely comments.
Larner · 20 January 2005 · Chapter 60: Over the River and Through the Wood
Hurrah for hithlain! Am very pleased with the story so far.
Larner · 20 January 2005 · Chapter 59: Kidnapped!
Good! Hobbit talents are being referenced! Get him, Pip!
Larner · 20 January 2005 · Chapter 58: Picnic Breakfast
A fine continuation to the story. Am again trying to get caught up.
Author's reply
Take heart! The next few chapters go very quickly, and then the end is in sight. Thanks for leaving a comment!
Hai Took · 18 January 2005 · Chapter 72: Epilogue
Splendid! I'm so glad to see what happened to the boys! I'm glad it was Diamond who discovered them. Now they seem to have wonderful lives of their own now. I like how you...extended the names, Gwillam and Robin, they sounded so ordinary when we first started but those were excellent. Also I have to say that I adored you putting in the idea that Bilbo Gamgee was born on Sept. 22nd, very appropriate. I would love to hear more about trips to the Lake. *hint hint* ;) Thank you for the excellent story!
Author's reply
Yes, and Jack's "new" name was "Gwill" (thought I forgot to mention it)-- and wouldn't it be funny if it were his "real" name? He did say something about giving the boys names that sounded like their own names, so that they'd come when they were called. Well, there's a trip to the lake in "At the End of His Rope". Not sure about others. The two stories about Farry's trips to Gondor are niggling at my attention, at the moment ("Farry and Ferdi go to Gondor" and "Ferdi and... I forget, is it Regi? ...go to Gondor"). But first I have to finish "While there's breath" and see if I can pick up the stitches of "Thain" again, and there's Rosemary's story to consider. Whew! Thanks for taking the time to comment! Author Reply: oops, I said "Ferdi and Regi" when I meant "Farry and Regi"--the trip that takes place after Frodo Gamgee's wedding in "Comedy of Merrys". Ferdi's blind by then so I doubt he'd be sent to watch over Farry.
Bodkin · 18 January 2005 · Chapter 72: Epilogue
I like the way no-one says anything. Nell must be walking away shaking her head in complete confusion. I wonder if anyone will let her in on the details. I'd like to see the meeting between Pippin, Sam and maybe Ferdi and Jack, Will and Rob. Very subtly done. I love Diamond.
Author's reply
Thanks! Having been in Nell's position (often!) it was rather fun to know what was going on between the lines for once! It's funny, I haven't yet envisioned that meeting. I know that Pippin and Sam return to the shop with bags of gold, and that Pippin thanks Jack personally (and so does Sam!), but somehow my imagination has drawn a curtain over the scene. Perhaps I was off to tea with Seledrith at the time...
Bodkin · 18 January 2005 · Chapter 71: Of Endings and Beginnings
Hard. At least Pippin can feel that the ruffian deserves it, if anyone does. But it's not like killing someone in battle - or, indeed, like throwing a stone at a villain in the middle of a chase. And Aragorn has to keep doing it. It must be very difficult not to become hardened in self-preservation. A birth is an appropriate ending. (Although I'm left trying to remember the last stanza of Eliot's The Journey of the Magi.)
FantasyFan · 17 January 2005 · Chapter 72: Epilogue
I totally forgot to ask about Merileth. She was mentioned briefly in the last chapter, and at the time I wondered where the healers and their apprentices had come from. The city is new, the houses of healing are new, so did everyone move north from Gondor, or was the city populated by the Dunedain of the north, or something else random? I just thought it would have been ironic for Denny to end up finding his true-love in a far-away city if she had been under his nose for years in the southlands.
Author's reply
The New City was populated from different places: Gondor, Breeland, Dale, the Dunedain. Merileth's name implies that she is either of the Dunedain or Gondor, I think. If of Gondor, she might have been one of a family who moved to the North-land after plans were announced to re-build the City. The "greengrocer" being used as a point of reference implies that he was one of the earliest to set up in the marketplace, at least to my thinking. Either that or he has one of the larger facilities, but to have that, again I think he'd have to be an early settler. He probably early established relations with local Men who had arrived to farm the surrounding land, to sell their produce for a fee, leaving them free on market days to continue to work at their farming. (A farmer's work is never done.) It would be ironic if Merileth was under Denethor's nose all this time, but I don't think it likely. I think he caught her attention on a visit to the marketplace with the hobbits. The irony in my mind is the "small world" aspect of the story. The greengrocer has three daughters. The eldest married Denethor, the middle married Will, and the youngest married the armourer. So for a time, before Denethor was "invalided out", a guardsman and a fugitive from justice (at least Will and Jack thought so) were brothers-in-law. Can you imagine the dancing around certain subjects to avoid exciting suspicion on the part of their friends and relations, and the elabourately casual plans they had to lay to avoid meeting the hobbits on their visits to the Lake? I think Seledrith must have suspected something. Perhaps Jack allayed her suspicion with an excuse that Will was mortally afraid of Halflings due to an incident in his early years, or some such thing. That would make her a co-conspirator in Jack's getting Will out of the shop when hobbits were due on their regular shopping day. Author Reply: p.s. another possibility is that Merileth's family came from one of the seacoasts in the Southlands. Her name has something to do with the sea, I forget exactly what.
FantasyFan · 17 January 2005 · Chapter 72: Epilogue
This is a lovely ending to the story. Diamond is a perceptive hobbit, and you can't get much past her. I loved the little glimpse of Jack settled and well-loved, and his boys happy having found their own place. Sometimes good is its own reward, and I think Jack has found his (but a bag or two of gold probably wouldn't go amiss.) A happy ending for all!
Author's reply
Yes, I was writing towards this ending for chapter upon chapter, and sometimes it seemed as if I never *would* get there. Whew. I did love the picture of Jack napping with the baby named for Rob. I can just see the baby fussing a little, and Jack, without really awakening, rocking the cradle with his foot to settle things down a little longer. And when he wakens, won't Will have good news to share with him! Thanks!
Dreamflower · 16 January 2005 · Chapter 99999: Footnotes and Cross-references
Ah, *sigh*, it's over. Oh dear! But the nice thing about skipping all those years to put in an epilogue (during which you fit in several of your other wonderful stories) is that you now have a nice long gap (only *partially* filled! *hint hint* But when it comes to Lindelea stories, I'm insatiable.
Author's reply
Words to bring a smile even to the Muse, sulking in the corner and refusing to whisper. Says she has laryngitis and is taking the weekend off. Such is life. Amazing how those gaps beg to be filled, isn't it? But of course, you do such a marvellous job of gap-filling yourself! Thanks!
Grey Wonderer · 16 January 2005 · Chapter 72: Epilogue
Just brilliant! Loved the way Diamond breezed though all of it with no one the wiser and yet, managed to make her point known to Will. All of this has been lovley and I find that my favorite of your original characters is now Denethor with Posey a very close second. Denethor is such a great character and has such a way with the hobbits. Now, I fear you must write something else, maybe more chapters of Thain? LOL I am planning to start "Rope" again in a few days when time allows so you will be hearing from me again. You have been warned. LOL Great story!
Author's reply
Ah, thank you! So much of the story was written towards this Epilogue, which was one of the first chapters written after Jack and the boys escaped the Shire. I do look forward to hearing from you again! When you do read "Rope", see if you can spot Hilly. He's not named, but he's definitely there. Thanks!
Grey Wonderer · 16 January 2005 · Chapter 71: Of Endings and Beginnings
I just love that Rose and Sam's Bilbo was born on Bilbo and Frodo's birthday. Such a lovely touch to this already wonderful story. So glad that this comes down on a happy note at the bridge. You can feel the bitter-sweetness of it all in Merry's responses and see how much he misses Frodo still.